I wish I had a full color LCD graphing calculator back in my school days when most adding machines did just that, nothing more. OK, so I exaggerate a trifle BUT its innovative technology would have gone a long way to lighten the common core standards for STEM education load on junior and senior high students. Back then standard student supplies were paper, pencil, eraser (hopefully), textbook, and library (optionally). Computers and calculators were heavy, big, bulky and certainly not portable a half century ago.

Technology and electronics no longer makes things bigger and better. Rather it makes them smaller and better. Just got a chance to use PRIZM for myself. Its energy-saving, full-color LCD, high resolution screen, Picture Plot function can handle anything middle school, high school, perhaps even college subject and even be used legally on AP, SAT I/II, PSAT/NMSQT and ACT tests.

All thumbs me constantly hits the wrong button…but no worry, mama. The Casio PRIZM goes back to where you were before your oops. Whats more, it has the ability to run in different modes. Calculation capabilities include regular calculations basic operations, fractions, decimals, percents; statistics, note taking, spreadsheet, equation solver, geometry modes; graphing and picture plot; scientific, data collection, financial.

Personally I like its textbook display and color coded bracket features that make problem solving easier. Granted it is the student’s brain not its supplies that does the actual work BUT with the Casio PRIZM the work just goes faster allowing the student time to review work before submitting it making for better test scores, better assignments, and better grades.

Technical specs:

216 x 384 pixel display

65,536 colors

28 variables

61,440 bytes program capacity

USB port

16 MB storage memory capacity

four AAA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (140 hours life)

81″ x 3.52″ X 7.42″ dimensions

.51 lb. weight (including batteries)

Afraid this calculator is too much for you? Casio with its PRIZM guided tour, free online training, lesson library, software updates, makes this tool easy to use. Seeing a full textbook-style display, picture plot from real -life pictures, functions that leverage color graphing, and letting you connect the PRIZM to a Casio projector makes this the SHOW and Tell find of all time.

The Casio PRIZM may not be a full computer or loaded cell phone but who cares. It does the job excellently and allows its users to use the phone and computers simultaneously for other fun things at home.

The SMLP of the Cadsio PRIZM is $129.98. It is available online at amazon and in many stores nationwide including Target, Best Buys, Staples, office Max, Office Depot, Walmart, Kmart, J&R, radio Shack, Meijer, Fisher Hawaii, Costco, PC Richards, Fry, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Bartell Drugs, CVS, and Bi-mart. The fact that so many major retailers have this product in their inventory speaks well of its value and market share.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Monday 01/30/11 at 12:01 am est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

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Author: Pat.
My name is Pat. and don’t forget that period. I am the mother of four children and grandmother of seven. I have an M. A. +30. As a public school teacher now retired, I have always been and always will be a child advocate. My interests in traveling, photography, camping, reading, writing, and doing volunteer work keep me on the go.

My favorite features is all about the color. PRIZM™ automatically color-codes brackets when entering equations with multiple brackets, as a visual aid to facilitate the entry of complex equations. This is something my high school son could use in his math class.